The Gift of Agency and Christ's Atoning Grace

 

[Verse 1] We all possess the gift Of agency...to choose To draw nigh to or darkly drift From our Lord and His good news For our each and every action There's light to be responsible And we ever have an obligation To accept and be held accountable [Pre-Chorus] Through consistent practice Our standards can be set high Unto greatness, with Christ-like service Rejecting the self-absorbent life [Chorus] Always and ever we must exercise discipline (Exercise discipline) Repenting oft, believing in Christ's atoning grace (Christ's atoning grace) Always and ever we must exercise discipline (Exercise discipline) It is our to inspire others if they will listen (To find help) [Verse 2] Thus developing the character Of one morally disciplined Thereby following the exemplar As His ideals are envisioned Some turn from the laws of the Savior Creating their own God unto disorder There is naught to restrain their behavior But, external controls put in order [Pre-Chorus] Yet, can police and laws replace Customs, traditions, and values Can one civilize the human race When it has fallen unto abuse [Chorus] Always and ever we must exercise discipline (Exercise discipline) Repenting oft, believing in Christ's atoning grace (Christ's atoning grace) Always and ever we must exercise discipline (Exercise discipline) It is our to inspire others if they will listen (To find help) [Bridge] As the right hand steals from the left And puts forth more regulations There is but circumvention and debt As each judges the other's education... Such societies will struggle in vain Until sin is denounced as sin That moral discipline might rein As a pantheon of civic virtues are brought in [Final Chorus] Moral discipline is taught in the home (Moral discipline) Where our teachings come of our faith (Our faith) That the commandments of God might be known (They might be known) As a desire for truth becomes framed... Always and ever we must exercise discipline (Exercise discipline) Repenting oft, believing in Christ's atoning grace (Christ's atoning grace) Always and ever we must exercise discipline (Exercise discipline) It is our to inspire others if they will listen (To find help)

inspired from

Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Moral Discipline
Ensign, November 2009, 105 

Window Candle

 

[Verse 1] The candle's glow Seen from the window Promised welcome When he would come All through the night It burned tall and bright But, no one came To see the flame [Pre-Chorus] Then through the day The closed curtain stayed As the widow Slept with a throw Not only late Her guest lost the date Lost the promise And knew not of this [Chorus] Who is alone? Who feels unknown? Who does but sit? Shall we go visit? Who is alone? Who feels unknown? A chair by the window A light with no name [Verse 2] The kettle cooled The floor kept still A cup set out Beside the sill The bread went hard The room held its guard And every clock Kept its own march [Pre-Chorus] No knock, no sign No feet in time Just dust on lace And a quiet place The widow woke And touched the smoke Like it was proof Of love she chose [Chorus] Who is alone? Who feels unknown? Who does but sit? Shall we go visit? Who is alone? Who feels unknown? A chair by the window A light with no name [Bridge] If you were near Would you have known A flame can wait And still burn on? A hand can miss The door by an inch A kind word late Can still make sense [Final Chorus] Who is alone? Who feels unknown? Who does but sit? Shall we go visit? Who is alone? Who feels unknown? A chair by the window A light with no name Who is alone? Who feels unknown? Shall we go visit? Shall we go visit?

Anyone thinking of President Monson and his care to all his widows from when he was a bishop?

Two Inspired Documents- Freedom Ring 250 Years Please SHARE

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKepYWavORU

Verse 1] The two inspired and founding documents Of the United States as our Northern Lights: The Declaration of Independence And the Constitution with its Bill of Rights These underlying principles Have relevance for all of the world For the preserving of moral agency That in every heart and mind God can be heard For the rights and protection of all flesh For guarantees of religious freedom Each on a path unto God, rating none more or less Just the commandments, the way to become [Pre-Chorus] Promoting and protecting Life long virtue, through Moral agency Where upon each has the freedom To discovery who they want to be To discovery who they want to be endowed with unalienable rights To frame families on a hill with lights [Chorus] Let freedom ring Let religious freedom ring Oh America Let freedom ring Thy Light on hill Ever shining Oh America Let freedom ring [Verse 2] The Declaration, divine, by design Declares that we are all created equally Endowed with unalienable God given rights Of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness This divine document is tied To religious faith in a land to protect it It is our birthright, our to do, inspired For being good, living in happiness We the people, blessed with a government That protects those rights mmmm many have redeemed the land By the shedding of blood [Pre-Chorus] To revisit these rights For a more perfect union of greater light Ending slavery and giving women rights As we ever should Also, to divide delegates from state to state Where we are free to decide and vote individually While separating powers makes our nation great That as a nation under God, HE can rule and reign [Chorus] Let freedom ring Let religious freedom ring Oh America Let freedom ring Thy Light on a hill Ever shining Oh America Let freedom ring [Bridge] God bless the first amendment No cuius regio, eius religio God bless the first amendment No cuius regio, eius religio Oh America Let freedom ring [Final Chorus] Let freedom ring Let religious freedom ring Oh America Let freedom ring Thy Light on a hill Ever shining Oh America Let freedom ring

The two inspired and founding documents

Of the Unties Sates as our Northern Lights:

The Declaration of independence

And the Constitution with its Bill of Rights

These underlying principles 

Have relevance for all of the world

For the preserving of moral agency

That in every heart and mind God can be heard

For the rights and protection of all flesh

For guarantees of religious freedom

Each on a path unto God, rating none more or less

Just the commandments, the way to become

Promoting and protecting

Life long virtue, though Moral agency

Where upon each has the freedom 

To discovery who they want to be

The Declaration, divine, by design

Declares that we are all created equally

Endowed with unalienable God given rights

of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness

This divine document is tied

To religious faith in a land to protect it

It is our birthright, our "to do", inspired

For being good, living in happiness

We a sovereign people, framed a government to protect those rights

And many have redeemed the land by the shedding of blood

To revisit these rights for a more perfect union of greater light

Ending slavery and giving women rights as we ever should

The division of delegates from state to state

Where we are free to decide to vote individually

While separating powers makes our nation great

That as a nation under God, He can rule and reign

God bless the first amendment

No "cuius regio, eius religio"

Oh America, Let freedom ring

Let religious freedom ring

Thy Light on hill to bring

The phrase "cuius regio, eius religio" is a Latin term meaning "whose region, his religion." Meaning the religion of the ruler is the religion of that land.

Colored Papers- Christ-Centered Healing

 

[Verse 1]

Demons inside my head Recycle continually Controlling where I'm led Darkening habitually One day I wrote them down Scattered about my feet On black paper though still around I've a panorama- sweet [Pre-Chorus] Thinking of how I act... Replaying old behaviors Those sinful patterns I attract I wrote on yellowed papers Then... thinking of each friend in turn The ones that faded away After leaving me to burn I wrote them off... in grey [Chorus] Which sheets can I replace today As in new ways I think and do? Adding colors that shine away Making steps for a life that's new (Colors that shine away) (Colors that shine away) [Verse 2] First... I start before a mirror And play out who I want to be Chucking what's been inferior I dress the part... of my new me Where chaos had been my friend I now have much more space Freedom... with time to spend Finding sheets of golden lace [Pre-Chorus] Still, I wonder... Is this but a quick fix? As I have set down my history No... with the weight dropped, brightness clicks Flooding hope's light for victory [Chorus] Which sheets can I replace today As in new ways I think and do? Adding colors that shine away Making steps for a life that's new (Colors that shine away) (Colors that shine away) [Bridge] Back to the mirror... I take out a big pen And draw a hand before my eyes Out stretched, inviting... open Reminding me of Christ A perfect friend, I've found at last His truths are beauty to my mind As now I'm thankful for the past And new colors mine to find [Final Chorus] Which sheets can I replace today As in new ways I think and do? Adding colors that shine away Making steps for a life that's new (Colors that shine away) (Colors that shine away)

thoughts from reading Transcript "Christ-Centered Healing from Depression and Low Self-Worth Carrie Maxwell Wrigley, LCSW BYU Education Week, Aug 15, 2005

This Day- Probation and Grace

 

[Verse 1] Each day Thou gives us is as a fine treasure, For me and my house to serve with great pleasure. I've sought Thee early to find and to know Thee. Bless this wise servant for what brings cleansing. We have been given probation to improve. While we have bodies ever to control and move, We can know which tasks truly matter the most. Bless me with promptings of the Holy Ghost. [Pre-Chorus] Prayerful reading can set our course each new day. When we submit... we act without a delay. Will my garments be white to go no more out? Help me to know how I can show Thee I'm devout. [Chorus] Help me know, help me know Help me know what to do Help me know, help me know I will follow through Help me know, help me know When the moment is here Help me know, help me know And keep my heart clear [Verse 2] We are here to prepare for eternal life. We rejoiced to prove we're faithful despite strife. We can show we will do all the Lord does ask. Help me to choose against temptation's strong grasp. We needed someone with grace and God's favor. Who could perform with love as beloved Savior? We chose Jesus Christ to come qualify us. Help me not procrastinate, while there's justice. [Pre-Chorus] Although we may struggle with complacency, We have been placed purposely since infancy. Though we're seasoned we have not yet done our part. Help me show endurance with a steadfast heart. [Chorus] Help me know, help me know Help me know what to do Help me know, help me know I will follow through Help me know, help me know When the moment is here Help me know, help me know And keep my heart clear [Bridge] Though I'm discouraged with my circumstance, I will carry burdens with more confidence. Each day as thy servant I'll follow through. Bless me to know what I can here and now do. I know Jesus suffered my infirmities. He prayed for all men feeling all agonies. He forgave His enemies and their lies. Help me to forgive and build eternal ties. [Chorus] Help me know, help me know Help me know what to do Help me know, help me know I will follow through Help me know, help me know When the moment is here Help me know, help me know And keep my heart clear [Outro] Help me be thankful that I am yet alive. And to recognize that with Thee I do strive. As a small payment for debt from Christ's purchase, Help me share His charity through kind service. Of those who petition Thy aid, help me see. Bless me to hear Thy voice and know their need. Remind me to pray to Thee both night and day. Help me know my Savior, in His name I pray.

Henry B. Eyring
This Day
Ensign May 2007,89

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2007/05/this-day?lang=eng

Eleventh Hour

I arrived late 

And sat in the back

Just to partake

Not to be looked at

It's the eleventh hour

And I feel His call

The Lord in His power

Knows I'm fresh from a fall

Though a huge thorn

Keeps getting pushed in

I'm here for the Lord

And everyone sins

May no one cast

A stone my way

That was my past

Christ knows. He paid

I'm here for the Lord

Not rejection and scorn

How I love the Lord

My sorrows He's borne

True to my vow

I left at the hymn

The prayer, my own

With the Lord. Just Him

Renewed I felt

Perfectly clean

By Him, I felt

So loved and seen

I am filled with hope

For a better world

For feeling at home

In my family ward

[Verse 1] I arrived late And sat in the back Just to partake Not to be looked at It's the eleventh hour And I feel His call The Lord in His power Knows I'm fresh from a fall [Pre-Chorus] Though a huge thorn Keeps getting pushed in I'm here for the Lord And everyone sins May no one cast A stone my way That was my past Christ knows, He paid [Chorus] I'm here for the Lord Not rejection and scorn I'm here for the Lord And my heart is reborn True to my vow I left at the hymn The prayer, my own With the Lord, just Him [Verse 2] Renewed I felt Perfectly clean By Him, I felt So loved and seen I am filled with hope For a better world For feeling at home In my family ward [Bridge] Though the road was long And my shame ran deep You found me there When I could not speak Every broken piece You held in Your hand Now I stand and sing I am in Your plan [Chorus] I'm here for the Lord Not rejection and scorn I'm here for the Lord And my heart is reborn True to my vow I left at the hymn The prayer, my own With the Lord, just Him [Outro] I arrived late But I was not lost I came with my need And You counted the cost Renewed I felt Perfectly clean With the Lord, just Him That's where I believe

Knots Undone

 

[Verse 1] Kneading muscles Proves a surprise For once I'm done Then you can rise How you need rest And someone to talk too Life's been a test And hard on you [Pre-Chorus] Is it no wonder Your back went out The stress you're under Leaves little doubt I understand And feel for you Thus, my two hands Will work hard too [Chorus] Kneading muscles (Kneading muscles) Get the knots undone For once I'm done Then you can rise (Then you can rise) Kneading muscles (Kneading muscles) Get the knots undone [Verse 2] Remember when We had more time Strains soften With help you'll find Always share With someone You know who'll care To get the knots undone [Pre-Chorus] Is it no wonder Your back went out The stress you're under Leaves little doubt I understand And feel for you Thus, my two hands Will work hard too [Chorus] Kneading muscles (Kneading muscles) Get the knots undone For once I'm done Then you can rise (Then you can rise) Kneading muscles (Kneading muscles) Get the knots undone [Bridge] Life's been a test But not alone Lay your burden down Let it roll on home I understand And feel for you Thus, my two hands Will work hard too [Final Chorus] Kneading muscles (Kneading muscles) Get the knots undone For once I'm done Then you can rise (Then you can rise) Kneading muscles (Kneading muscles) Get the knots undone

I have only had a spa once. My friend and I went after our Masters thesis. I had to memorize all the citations I thought i might need for an unknown topic. I used pencil after pencil! What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I was 50ish- not a spring chicken! But, I did it!

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

 [Verse 1]

Do you see us wearing your ties? Notice us as we sing We thought that we'd make you cry A sweet message to bring Thank you for being a model for us Of a hard worker who provides And for your wise counsel which we trust For you then let us choose what to decide [Pre-Chorus] May the man in us grow to be like you And the woman in us find someone like you We look at your life And we see what true love can do [Chorus] Happy Father's Day, Dad Happy Father's Day, Dad You gave us your best You taught us to stand Happy Father's Day, Dad Happy Father's Day, Dad Someone wearing the tie of a clean man Someone who helps me be the best I can [Verse 2] We remember the way you showed up When the house felt heavy and still You never asked for applause You just made every broken thing feel filled You put care in the smallest moments You made a home out of your hands So if we carry your name forward We will carry it as best we can [Pre-Chorus] May the man in us grow to be like you And the woman in us find someone like you We look at your life And we see what true love can do [Chorus] Happy Father's Day, Dad Happy Father's Day, Dad You gave us your best You taught us to stand Happy Father's Day, Dad Happy Father's Day, Dad Someone wearing the tie of a clean man Someone who helps me be the best I can [Bridge] If we ever feel unsure We will hear your steady voice If we ever lose our way We will still know how to choose [Final Chorus] Happy Father's Day, Dad Happy Father's Day, Dad You gave us your best You taught us to stand Happy Father's Day, Dad Happy Father's Day, Dad We carry your love And we carry your name

Sinful and Forgetful? Be Repentful

 

The sinful mind is sick,
Selfish, and alone
There is naught to prick
The heart that's turned to stone

Daily, complaints are swirled
In a spiral of woe is me
Ever angry at the world
With no bonds made lovingly

Oh, how there is a hardened shell
That to hug...the return is stiff
If there is love felt, who can tell?
As all they hold to...are long past tiffs

The sinful soul is sick

Dark contention is real

But Christ to the center, can prick

Pray for your loved one to heal!

Who will remind them of who they are?
And how to appreciate life, too?
For they were once, but a rising star
Full of hope... all shimmering new

It is ours to offer love
And build a circle of trust
Offering hope to see above
The bitter dried up crust

It is ours to believe and pray
For all who are having a hard time
Ever we can hold our light showing the way
Unto finding purpose in God's design

Consider Your Space and Time

Consider each thing

You carry and store

Now! For addressing!

There's no room for more!

Think of all that belongs to you.

It is none easier for a camel

When unburdened, to squeeze through 

A closed gate's eye of a needle

And it is not right to ask him to

Humbled, drop your baggage

And crawl upon your knees

Discard all of your riches

Trust in God more than anything!

Pride, idols, sin

It all has to go

Be transformed within

And kneel before God

Lay not your treasures on earth

It's a burden of your space and time

And does not measure your worth

Free yourself up to spiritual survive

[Verse 1]

Consider each thing You carry and store

Now, for addressing, there's no room for more

Think of all that belongs to you

What can your hands ever hold when they're through?

[Pre-Chorus]

It is none easier for a camel

When unburdened, to squeeze through

A closed gate's eye of a needle

So I bow and let it move

[Chorus]

Lay not your treasures on earth

Lay not your treasures on earth

It's a burden of your space and time

And it does not measure your worth

Lay not your treasures on earth

Lay not your treasures on earth

Free me up to spiritual. Survive!

I trust You more than all I've earned

[Verse 2]

Humbled, drop your baggage

And crawl upon your knees

Discard all of your riches

Let my heart learn how to breathe

Pride, idols, sin

It all has to go

Be transformed within

And kneel before God

[Pre-Chorus]

It is none easier for a camel

When unburdened, to squeeze through

A closed gate's eye of a needle

So I bow and let it move

[Chorus]

Lay not your treasures on earth

Lay not your treasures on earth

It's a burden of your space and time

And it does not measure your worth

Lay not your treasures on earth

Lay not your treasures on earth

Free me up to spiritual. Survive!

I trust You more than all I've earned

[Bridge]

What I own can slip away

What You give will stay

Take this heart off the shelf

Make me new somehow

Pride, idols, sin

I lay them down

Be transformed within

And kneel before God

[Final Chorus]

Lay not your treasures on earth

Lay not your treasures on earth

It's a burden of your space and time

And it does not measure your worth

Lay not your treasures on earth

Lay not your treasures on earth

Free me up to spiritual. Survive!

I trust You more than all I've earned

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JynaCVHru2c

X.com:

Casper Yeow

@CasperYeow

Here's one take on “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:24) Rather than a pitch against acquiring wealth, it's a warning about overcomplicating our lives with an excess of worldly possessions. With every such thing, we add complexity to our lives - we must clean it, service it, insure it, store it, and worry about it - taking up precious headspace, and interfering in our ability to hear the still small voice of the Holy Ghost, whom is crucial to our spiritual survival. So, here's the follow up: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth… But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (3 Nephi 13:19–21)

Honor Thy Father

Honor your father

Love on him

Spend time with him

Visit with him

Like God asks of you

Recall all the good

the support that he gives

Give him your gratitude

For how he shaped your life

Live long upon the land

No matter where you stand

In a nation, in your family

Politically 

Spiritually

Mentally

Treat him heavenly

With the bible in mind

Create harmony

Pointing always to light

With God's greater truth appealing

Seek God's help if needed for healing

To honor your father

Is to honor God above

He planted you where you are

For life's lessons, out of love

If needed remember the song, 

"I Can Only Imagine!"

And see how God makes things strong

Love your father, IMAGINE!

A college student asks Charlie Kirk how to deal with parents that have opposing political viewpoints.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQNqU9fLA4s

The Reaching Hearts of Our Children

 

The reaching hearts of our children

Seek for the love of home

For that beauty found in heaven

Of being gently known

They have so much in life to seek

And grow up right before your eyes

Like crystals, each one is unique

Prepared with strengths for what tries

this is a cool thing to do for Easter with your little ones...
http://www.marthastewart.com/343344/crystal-egg-geodes

I have made it with epson salt for the classroom.  The egg looks cool when it looks like a cave filled with crystals. https://www.parents.com/fun/arts-crafts/kid/how-to-make-crystal-geode-eggs/

Spreading the Good News Line Upon Line

I can't help but smile thinking of all the missionaries calling home on Mother's Day!

 Line upon line

Precept on precept.
We soon will find
We've progressed and leapt.

Here a little and
There a little more
We teach to each land,
We preach to each shore.

The gospel truths
Improve our lives.
Spread the good news
To God we make strides.

Here a little and
There a little more.
We teach to each land.
We preach to each shore.

Our tongues can speak
With stammering lips
To the lost and weak
Of steps up from slips.

Here a little and
They can fall away.
There a little and
We can help them stay.

-Isaiah

Isa. 28: 10, 13, 17
10 For precept must be upon precept,
precept upon precept; line upon line,
line upon line; here a little, and
there a little:

Heavenly Father, Happy Father's Day!

 

Thou, Heavenly Father smiles upon us

When, good choices, we make

Thou sees us through tough situations

And offers strength that we not break.

safe secure seen

Happy Father's Day

Preparing for a Mission

[Verse 1] Preparing for a mission Is a serious task It takes spiritual vision And a desire to ask It is a time of repentance With a bar raised for your self Oft times with persistence... It is honorable to seek help [Pre-Chorus] Learn to be social... and get along As you obey the golden rule For when you love people- it isn't long Their heart strings, back at you, pull [Chorus] Preparing for a mission Preparing for a mission Be clean in thoughts and deed Give your best, and believe Preparing for a mission Preparing for a mission Keep your heart set right Let the Holy Ghost light [Verse 2] Work out for fun and gain strength As self-discipline does ever pay You'll accomplish much at length To lighten your steps along the way Become mentally sharp And attend seminary For a gospel scholar Is quite extraordinary [Pre-Chorus] Then... most of all- be clean In thoughts and deed- give your best Keep on developing and dream Even when trials come to test [Chorus] Preparing for a mission Preparing for a mission Be clean in thoughts and deed Give your best, and believe Preparing for a mission Preparing for a mission Keep your heart set right Let the Holy Ghost light [Bridge] As you stand up for what you believe Honor your God-given priesthood There's an armor that won't leave A powerful force meant for good [Chorus] Preparing for a mission Preparing for a mission Be clean in thoughts and deed Give your best, and believe Preparing for a mission Preparing for a mission Speak to all within your reach Let the Holy Ghost light what you teach

thoughts from a talk by Nicholas Grondel back in 2010- Where did the time go? Anyone who has met Nick will always remember.  Can't wait to see where he is heading in life!

Suggested reading-
Preach My Gospel and What I Wish I’d Known Before My Mission by John Bytheway
Elder L. Aldin Porter of the Presidency of the Seventy said that “Every young man should fill a mission. While every young man should serve a mission, we realize that every young man is not physically, emotionally, or morally prepared. If such young men would go to their bishop, confide to him their problem, and sincerely repent, they may yet fill honorable missions. We, your Brethren, sincerely invite you to prepare.”

Elder Robert L. Backman said that we must prepare physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. And...We have discovered that the best way to prepare for a mission is to have the spiritual experience of teaching the gospel to others before you are called. We urge you to reach out to your friends, help teach them the gospel by teaming with the full-time or the stake missionaries, bearing your testimonies in that atmosphere. You will then become acquainted with how the Holy Spirit works to guide others to the truth, and you will recognize its sweet influence in your own experience.

Stand Up Tall and Vote- a revisit in song

[Verse 1] Stand up tall and vote With your pocketbook From wise sources quote Think for yourself and look Think what unity can do [Pre-Chorus] What would you to protect? What issues do you value? What issues do you protest? Be someone that is civil [Chorus] Stand up tall and vote Stand up tall and vote Speak gently and be firm You've no cause to squirm In liberty come of God In liberty come of God [Verse 2] As a citizen of free people You've no cause to squirm It is not a hate crime to have a voice Nor is it against the law [Bridge] Expect tolerance, rejoice Hold your ground with grace Let truth stay in your mouth And fairness in your face [Chorus] Stand up tall and vote Stand up tall and vote Speak gently and be firm You've no cause to squirm In liberty come of God In liberty come of God

Line Upon Line

 

[Verse 1] Shall He smooth our paths Wherever we go? So sorrow and trouble We might never know? Shall He bless us first Before we ask? That we not miss the burden Or the sweat from the task? [Pre-Chorus] Oh, may we ever have A prayer in our heart Wishing and wanting What the Lord would impart Yet minds and hearts Will overflow We only learn Line upon line we know [Chorus] Line upon line What He would have us know Line upon line He teaches us to grow Line upon line We learn to trust His way Line upon line Till the light of perfect day [Verse 2] He gives us trials And pain on this earth To know the joy And beauty of our birth He gives oppositions That we must face To prepare us To embrace His grace [Pre-Chorus] May we submit To all we're given here to learn Stay humble ever seeking For the things we discern Yet minds and hearts Will overflow We only learn Line upon line we know [Chorus] Line upon line What He would have us know Line upon line He teaches us to grow Line upon line We learn to trust His way Line upon line Till the light of perfect day [Bridge] As through God We live with borrowed breath We know the day will come We’ll experience death Pray the Lord comes To receive us triumphant With outstretched arms Welcoming outward and bent [Chorus] Line upon line What He would have us know Line upon line He teaches us to grow Line upon line We learn to trust His way Line upon line Till the light of perfect day [Outro] Oh may we ever have Clean hands and pure hearts Prepared come what may To sing How Great Thou Art Our greatest gift Comes from our God above Our life for learning Toward eternal love

D&C 128: 21
21 And again, the voice of God in the chamber of old Father Whitmer, in Fayette, Seneca county, and at sundry times, and in divers places through all the travels and tribulations of this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! And the voice of Michael, the archangel; the voice of Gabriel, and of Raphael, and of divers angels, from Michael or Adam down to the present time, all declaring their dispensation, their rights, their keys, their honors, their majesty and glory, and the power of their priesthood; giving line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little, and there a little; giving us consolation by holding forth that which is to come, confirming our Hope!

Seeking to Be Found- Me

I climbed trees obsessively

As a child as a youth

I didn't know what I was looking for

or how to pray for proof

I went to church when invited:

The Baptist, Catholic, Pentecostal

and I even dated a Jew

How to pray, none taught me at all

Then, God found me.

In a tunnel, under ground

Holding my breath

In the darkness, I was found

I heard Him and He told me

I would join His church.

I went to institute the next week

In my heart I knew to search

Let us all be like Zacchaeus

Whose name means the pure in heart

Climbing trees even

Ever in the pursuit of Jesus

To abide and do our part

Have you ever held your breath and made a wish while under a tunnel? Yes that was me. A silly girl working at McDonald's and just starting college. But, I was holding my breath for a boy friend. God told me I would have to join his church, first!  I had never felt such electricity when I met the newly returned missionary who introduced me to the institute and church. Our temple marriage fell apart, though.  How could I let go of that magical start?  

I met and married a man from that city with that tunnel.  He helps me not feel lost. He is the poet who gave me this start.... of ldspoetrybykellymiller... not at once. It was when my son left for his mission. My son who never gave up on his dad and rebaptized him. He is pure in heart. 

What kind of journey are you on?  

https://www.ldsliving.com/what-we-may-have-missed-in-jesuss-loving-response-to-a-despised-man-in-the-bible/s/86841

Zacchaeus didn’t give up easily. He was proactive with his wish to see Jesus. What are we doing to actively seek God?

As Jesus testified at the end of this story, He will find the pure in heart and they will see God, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).

Thou Art Real

I have received His kingdom

And strive much to be pure That I might know sage wisdom, Be faithful, and endure I pray that the Holy Ghost Lead me where to go That I might see and feel And help others know Thou art real! I pray that Thy sound judgments Not need to chastise me, That the enemy not triumph, As, Thy Son I am following Of much I am ashamed! I have doubts and anxiety, Help my faith become a flame. As I'm weekly repenting! I pray that the Holy Ghost Lead me where to go That I might see and feel And help others know Thou art real! I pray for faith to speak of Thee Let me not be ashamed Lest my enemies, triumph see Help my unbelief find faith Help me ignore that comment That mocking to make fun Help me remember often I hold light from Thy Son I pray that the Holy Ghost Lead me where to go That I might see and feel And help others know Thou art real!

inspired from an old post:

I Have Received His Kingdom

Doctrine and Covenants 136:42
Be diligent in keeping all my commandments, lest judgments come upon you, and your faith fail you, and your enemies triumph over you. So no more at present. Amen and Amen.
Psalms 25:2
O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
Psalms 41:11
By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.

art- is the formal version of to be= you are, Thou Art

A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.” Joseph Smith, Jr

I loved it when SUNO made a mistake and didn't add the lyrics::

Substance of Faith

Through the substance of faith

Heavenly guidance is found

We know what to hope for

We feel the Spirit around

 

To the righteous, wisdom is obtained

By faith, inspired by God's Word

Not Cain's, but Abel's sacrifice explained

To the faithful who sought, God heard

Believe that He is

And there is a reward

For righteousness

Pray to Him... Seek Him

And heed His good Word

Through faith and trust we come to know

God- who He is and, for us, His plan

That through patience, His promises show

He strengthens us as we do what we can

The faith of the ancients centered on Christ

By faith they subdued kingdoms, 

Inspired righteousness 

and worked miracles

Trusting, as God's pilgrims

In a better place

A Heavenly place with Him

For a world more pure and clean

Enoch was caught up with Zion

Noah trusted in the unseen

In faith, and built the arc on dry land

By faith, when Abraham was tried

Offered up Isaac to be sacrificed

Only then to understand

That for all, God's own son would be crucified

By faith Moses knew right and wrong

And trusted God more than a pharaoh

He parted the seas high and strong

Knowing when God speaks, to follow

Many are the tortured who kept the faith

Who trusted in a greater reward

These are they the martyrs, unafraid

Who knew to keep their eyes Heavenward

Believe that He is

And there is a reward

For righteousness

Pray to Him... Seek Him

And heed His good Word

Hebrews 11

https://youtu.be/QbGhD-FcCS8?si=gAEx7lZ9GgmI7-cf

Ten years ago I made a comment to this video, never realizing someday a song would come of it. I wonder if using AI to do it is like not trusting in time and for someone to come forward who could turn all the poems into songs....

Believe God's rewards do exist For those who diligently seek Him Be obedient and persist By faith, as THE sole means to do them

I Saw His Final Hours

 In a panoramic view

I saw the Lord's ministry

His baptism His teaching

All that caused marveling

Then my eyes of understanding

Were opened to behold

His love, overwhelmed me

As He washed each foot He held

He prayed for the disciples

Called out from the world

He pled for those which also

Would believe through their word

I saw the Mount of Olives

And in the garden where

He took upon Himself all burdens

I witnessed great drops of blood fall there

He suffered such agony

A burden no human could bear

For in that hour of anguish

He had to overcome Satan there

He suffered that we might not

If we will repent in heart and spirit

Again and again my soul was taught

the betrayal

the mock trial

the scourging

His struggling 

The stretching

The nails driven into flesh

The crucifixion

And excruciating death

That through His merits, mercy and grace 

Immortality is freely given

But, as all will see God face to face

It will be those who walked with Him

That will be prepared for that embrace

Eternal- to a place of love, and joy and rest

The Sacrament and the Sacrifice by Elder David B. Haight Oct General Conference 1989

He Knows

 

[Verse 1]

The pain was striking and intense As Christ bore all our sins With love as an offering He was crushed in suffering His agony, underscored Not one sorrow was ignored [Pre-Chorus] He sweat blood from every pore As He taught us what love's for He heard cries of the innocent With hands clenched, His heart wrenched Then in frightful moments fought All of Satan's darkest thoughts [Chorus] He knows what we need His soul was made to see All our pains, He can bear He awaits ever near [Verse 2] His disciples lent no support In sleep, they'd not watch keep He was tried and proved our Lord Let's not weary, we're His sheep A prayer engaged and delicate Fleets to the advocate [Pre-Chorus] Our needs, He discriminates And with God, He mediates How can we not remember prayer? All our pains, He can bear He knows what we are in need of As He sends forth love from above [Chorus] He knows what we need His soul was made to see All our pains, He can bear He awaits ever near [Bridge] Through His grace comes tender mercy Which proves He is discerning When the night leans hard on me Still He holds the hurting He knows the weight we carry He knows each tear that falls [Final Chorus] He knows what we need His soul was made to see All our pains, He can bear He awaits, ever near His soul was made to see Each pore, pressed, did bleed He knows what we need Showing tender mercy A sign, appearing

Pascal Table-Jesus Gave Himself

 

[Verse 1] The night of all nights of history Began with the Pascal supper Soon to end His earthly ministry The Lord was preparing to offer A roasted lamb and bitter herbs Unleavened cakes and vinegar The table was set for the Passover meal A last symbolic sacrifice [Pre-Chorus] Before the one real Before the cross in view He knew what love would do He knew what love would do [Chorus] Jesus gave Himself Body and blood Jesus gave Himself To cover us We eat in remembrance Of all He did carry (Jesus gave Himself) Our hope is in His story [Verse 2] In Gethsemane and Calvary The weight of the earth Rested upon Him He gave us new birth And hope of heaven His hands held the nails His heart held our names He walked through the sorrow And broke every chain [Pre-Chorus] Before the one real Before the rising dawn The spotless Lamb was drawn The spotless Lamb was drawn [Chorus] Jesus gave Himself Body and blood Jesus gave Himself To cover us We eat in remembrance Of all He did carry (Jesus gave Himself) Our hope is in His story [Bridge] The table points ahead The mercy speaks today The seed of death was buried Then rolled away The weight is gone The grave is done We look to the Son We look to the Son [Chorus] Jesus gave Himself Body and blood Jesus gave Himself To cover us We eat in remembrance Of all He did carry (Jesus gave Himself) Our hope is in His story

Remembering the Savior's Atonement
Elder David B. Haight
Ensign, Apr 1988, 7

More Need for Preparation

 

Elder Holland did such a good job sharing what it was like being off on his own and starting a family.  Being President of BYU seemed to enhance his understanding of what it is like to be starting off into adulthood.  This song was inspired by 6, Jan 1982, Jeffrey R. Holland, “For Times of Trouble, ” Tambuli

panic, self-doubt, and despair are no match when we apply preparation to our day. I wrote the words a long time ago. 

Teaching Them Waiting

 

inspired by a test performed on 4 year olds.  They were tracked into adulthood.  

Continue in Patience

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Continue in Patience
Ensign, May 2010, 56

Who is the Most Prolific Poet in the History of English Poets? ME? Well Kind of...

 If I were to be counted

Among the great poets at all

It would be for the volume mounted

As, for this, I have been called!

I have nearly 8,000 posts with over 3M views= 375 views per post.  Even if you took 1,000 away, I still top the Guinness World Record which is 6,000 poems.  John Bradburn wrote nearly 170,000 lines of verse. 

2 things to consider- 

1. I'm not truly a published poet.

2. Considering that I have a significant number of poems with just 4 lines verse, I don't know that I count.  

3. I am so obscure that in a Google search of LDS poet, I never show up.  

4. This poem says it all- one word can throw a whole poem out...

If you'd correctly write in rhyme,

Make equal feet to sound in time,

For one small word will mar the chime

And spoil the metre.

As want of music is a crime,

But sound is sweeter.

--John Lyon (c. 1860)

Still...I am filling up my mind with praiseworthy things.  Even if they were just for me- it is beautiful to create....

And I thank you if you landed here and read.